Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to reflect, to hope and to give. Chances are you know someone whose life has been affected by Breast Cancer, but even if you don’t, you can still support the millions of women and their loved ones who have struggled with this disease.

Generally, Breast Cancer incidence and death rates increase with age, according to the American Cancer Society’s research. Breast Cancer accounts for around 25% of all cancers diagnosed in American women. From 2002 through 2006, about 95% of new Breast Cancer cases and 97% of Breast Cancer fatalities occurred in women 40 or older.

Be one of the millions of people who will donate their time and/or money this month in an effort to enhance research and treatments for this devastating disease. There are many Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities – you just need to find events that are happening in your area. An easy, yet effective way to show your support is to give money to Breast Cancer charities.

Buy Yoplait yogurt and for every pink Yoplait lid you mail in by December 31, 2010, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® – Yoplait guarantees a donation of at least $500,000

Buy products from companies that give proceeds to Breast Cancer charities. The following New Balance Breast Cancer shoes and foot care products will enhance your foot health and comfort, while at the same time showing your support for Breast Cancer research.

New Balance 845 – This stability walking shoe has a built-in rollbar to control rearfoot motion and can prevent unhealthy pronation. A foam midsole is extra cushioned and special shock absorption at the heel and forefoot strike zones reduces stress on joints for pain-free movement. This style has a high instep, narrow heel and wide toe box, beneficial for those with normal to high arch foot types. A lace-up closure and blue accents make this walking shoe stylish. An embroidered pink ribbon on the lateral side of the heel will display your support for Breast Cancer. Fifteen percent of the wholesale cost of this shoe goes to breast cancer research.

New Balance 811 Adjustable Straps and 811 Laces – Great for women with Diabetes, Plantar Fasciitis, arthritis, metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) or sensitive feet, this walking shoe has breathable uppers and a wide range of widths. A TPU lateral and medial posts provide motion control and prevent unhealthy pronation. The outsole has a durable tread and enhances proper gait. Both the lace-up and the dual adjustable strap styles are Medicare approved as a Diabetic shoe. Lightweight and cushioned, this is an ultimate favorite style for women of every age. The tongue sports a pink ribbon, showing your support for Breast Cancer. Fifteen percent of the wholesale cost of this shoe goes to Breast Cancer research.

New Balance Low Cut Socks – These socks were designed with comfort and orthopedic features in mind. Elastic in the arch area of the sock will provide a snug fit to decrease sock movement. A deep heel pocket design creates a super comfortable feel and will reduce likelihood of holes. The toe seam has a special flat link stitching for added softness. Fabric will wick sweat away from the skin to keep feet dry and fresh, reducing your chances for Athlete’s Foot or foot odor. This New Balance sock is available in women’s and men’s sizes, both white and black colors and features a pink ribbon near the ankle. Fifteen percent of the wholesale cost of these socks go to Breast Cancer research.

Our sock inventory has grown, literally, because not only are we offering more styles of compression socks, diabetic socks and health socks, but also WIDE and EXTRA WIDE socks for bigger sized feet. We’ve even included thigh high children’s socks in our inventory to keep little feet and legs warm and protected.

Our second annual SOCKTOBER sale runs through the month of October and expires at 11:59 p.m. on 10/31/2010. This offer can not be combined with other offers and can not be applied to previous purchases.

Here are examples of some of the newest socks we carry:

KB Designs Extra Wide Socks
We carry both medical and athletic extra wide socks. Both styles are non-binding, stay up the leg and have excellent stretching ability to fit over larger sized calves and feet. Our extra wide medical socks can fit up to size 16 6E and our athletic socks can fit up to size 21 6E.

Rock-a-Thigh Baby Children’s Thigh High Socks
These kid’s socks come in fun vibrant colors. They’re designed to stay up the leg without rolling down. Little knees will be protected from rug burns and hard surfaces; legs and feet will stay warm in strollers or carriers and they’re ideal for children with AFOs.

Activa Pin Stripe Men’s Dress Socks with Firm Compression 20-30 mm HGMen can now wear stylish compression socks thanks to Activa’s new pin strip compression socks. These socks provide compression support at the ankle to reduce chronic pain, leg fatigue and ankle and leg swelling. Men will experience exceptional comfort because these socks are made with microfibers, which are finer than silk, making them soft and stretchable.

New Balance Diabetic Seamless Toe Crew Socks
Those suffering from diabetic feet will appreciate the comfortable fit that’s offered from these New Balance socks. Features include a seamless toe for exceptional comfort at the toe area, cushioning at the footbed to provide shock absorption and a non-binding leg design so that the socks stay up the leg without adding pressure.

Whether you are a host, server, bartender or manager – when you work in a restaurant, you are always on your feet and you are always in a hurry. You are probably required to wear slip resistant shoes, but you should also look for comfortable restaurant shoes. We have a wide variety of comfortable, slip resistant shoesthat will make your experience working in a restaurant a lot more enjoyable.

Here are some features you should look for when buying restaurant shoes:

Footbed with arch support, a heel cup and cushion will prevent foot fatigue

Removable insole – so you have the freedom to take it out and put in your own insole

Antibacterial lining to wick moisture and prevent smelly feet

Upper that can wipe clean so that it’s easy to care for

Certified slip resistant and oil resistant outsole

Men:

Sanita Viktor Pro – This clog is an instant favorite to everyone who wears it. Perfect for chefs or other men who work in the kitchen, the thick sole with decreased flexion diminishes foot fatigue while standing for long periods of time. The polyurethane sole is durable and certified slip resistant. High quality leather uppers wipe clean, making clean-up easy. A steel shank provides additional stability for the wearer and the insole absorbs perspiration to keep feet cool and dry. Very comfortable and functional for a multitude of uses, the Sanita Viktor Pro is one of our top picks for comfortable restaurant shoes.

Klogs Sierra – A stylish slip-on shoe, the Klogs Sierra is more than meets the eye. An antibacterial insole can prevent foot odor and Athlete’s Foot, so you can continue to work hard without worrying about sweaty or smelly feet. This style is a perfect shoe for a host or manager, because it has the slip resistant outsole that can be worn on any surface, with the classic and professional look needed around customers. An anatomically-contoured footbed with arch support and a deep heel cup will prevent foot pain while you are on your feet for hours.

Spring Step Beckham – This slip-on shoe is a casual style that can be worn by servers or bartenders. Elastic gore and a padded collar create a comfortable fit. A pull tab on the heel allows easy on/off. Anatomically-correct footbeds will prevent foot fatigue or pain, and they are removable so you can wear your own custom orthotics or arch supporting insoles. The Spring Step Beckham’s outsole is certified slip resistant and is durable, lightweight and shock absorbing – perfect for men who will be constantly moving. A fast-drying antibacterial lining will keep busy feet dry.

New Balance 512 – A casual, multi-use shoe, this style is unique because it’s available in widths. It also is available in a wide range of sizes. The leather upper is breathable and the IMEVA midsole is extra cushioned. A removable insert allows you to use your own custom orthotics or arch support insoles. The outsole is slip resistant and has a special construction to provide stability for your strides. With its lace-up closure, servers and bartenders will feel comfortable and secure while wearing the New Balance 512.

Propet Maxigrip – This sleek, polished oxford is ideal for men who are managers or servers in a classy restaurant. Its leather upper is washable and its vamp is perforated for increased ventilation. External and internal heel counters provide extra support to help prevent heel pain and arch pain. A removable insole has a gel cushion for a cushy feeling and leather linings wick away moisture from your feet. The Propet Maxigrip has a slip-resistant rubber outsole and is also A5500 SADMERC approved for use as a diabetic shoe.

Women:

Sanita Lisa– A perfect slip-resistant shoe for chefs or women working in a restaurant’s kitchen, this style will provide all-day comfort and support. Its closed-back clog style ensures a secure fit and a steel shank increases stability. Sanita’s thick sole with decreased flexion reduces foot fatigue while standing for hours on end. A non-allergenic insole absorbs perspiration and has arch support. The polyurethane outsole provides shock absorption, flexibility and, of course, slip-resistance. Sanita Lisa is a style you will keep as your go-to comfortable restaurant shoes.

Klogs Ashford – A youthful and cute Mary Jane style, this slip-resistant shoe is designed with a wider fit, so it is beneficial for those with wider feet. Its rounded toe box can accommodate hammertoes or other toe deformities. Removable insoles are cushioned, anti-microbial and have a deep heel cup and molded contour toe grip for additional comfort. An adjustable strap allows a secure yet customized fit. Great for women who are hostesses or managers, the Klogs Ashford has a non-marking, slip resistant outsole and a polished, professional look.

Spring Step Boogie – This comfortable restaurant shoe is unique because it has a mild rocker that can improve posture and ease walking. Elastic goring allows this slip-on style to have the perfect fit and to allow easy on/off. Spring Step Boogie is great for hostesses, because it also has a slip resistant outsole that will provide optimal footing on any surface. Simple but professional, this closed back clog has a removable insole and is built with extra cushioning to reduce foot pain while standing.

Spring Step Florence– Who said slip resistant work shoes need to be boring? Show off your personality with the fun Spring Step Professional Shoes, such as the Florence. These youthful slip-resistant shoes are best for servers or bartenders. Removable insoles have arch support and an antibacterial lining to wick moisture. Elastic gore allows a better fit and the outsoles are lightweight, durable and shock absorbing. This style also has a 2 inch heel height and is available in two widths.

New Balance 512 – This versatile, casual shoe ensures a secure fit with its lace-up closure. The leather upper is breathable and the IMEVA midsole provides cushioning. A removable insert allows you to use your own custom orthotics or arch support insoles and this New Balance 512 style is available in a wide range of sizes and widths. The outsole is slip resistant and has a special construction to provide stability for each step. This style is beneficial for servers and bartenders, because it offers high-quality comfort and protection.

Wide slippers are designed just like normal sized slippers with the exception that they’re wider at the ball of foot area to accommodate bigger sized feet. Wearers who are often in need of wide slippers are either born with wide feet, have certain foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes, or have swollen feet that are caused by injuries or unhealthy foot conditions such as neuropathy, edema or diabetes. At HealthyFeetStore.com, our selection of wide slippers comes in a variety of styles from wide loafer moccasins to sheepskin slide slippers to house shoes with adjustable hook and loop straps. We carry both women’s wide slippers and men’s wide slippers from some of the best brands in the market such as Old Friend, Apis, Comfortrite, L.B. Evans and Acorn. Also, just like our normal sized slippers, our wide slippers come with orthopedic features to not only ensure feet remain comfortable, but also healthy. Below, we compiled a list of some of the most notable wide slippers we carry.

Please note: Our slippers come in full sizes only.

Old Friend Wide Loafer Moc – Men’s Sheepskin Moccasin SlipperSizes: 9 – 13Widths: D (Medium), 4E (Extra Wide)
Fully lined with 100% sheepskin lining, this men’s wide slipper will keep feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter since sheepskin is a thermostatic material. The removable insole can accommodate custom orthotics, the tapered toe box allows more room for bigger sized toes, the footbed is shock absorbent and the durable TPR rubber outsole has added traction for optimal footing. The suede leather upper is water resistant to prevent moisture penetration to keep feet dry. Also, we carry many styles of Old Friend slippers that come in wide widths.

Apis 508 – Men’s Indoor/Outdoor SlippersSizes: 5 – 17Widths: 2E (Wide), 5E (Extra Wide)
For men with moderate to severe swelling in their feet, the Apis 508 is the wide house shoe of choice. Elastic goring on either side accommodates bigger sized feet or swollen ankles, while the pull tab allows for easy on/off. Comfort will be felt by its soft upper and closed cell thermozote® lining; plus this slipper is extremely lightweight yet durable at the same time. The long lasting outsole is ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

L.B. Evans Men’s Suede Slipper, KlondikeSizes: 7 – 18Widths: M (Medium), W (Wide)
The Klondike comes with a suede leather upper that is supple and breathable. It features warm boa lining that is produced with non-allergenic acrylic for those who cannot wear wool. Its full length memory foam insole will not only conform to the arch area of the foot, but also provide extra cushioning in each step. The stretchable goring at the forefoot allows a better fit for those with swollen feet or ankles.

Acorn Women’s Wide Width Spa Wrap House SlipperSizes: Medium (6.5 – 7.5), Large (8 – 9), Extra Large (9.5 – 10.5)Widths: M (Medium), W (Wide)
Made with top quality organic terry cloth material, this women’s wide slipper will keep feet comfortable after long showers or baths. An adjustable hook and loop strap fastens comfortably over the forefoot area without constricting blood flow to sensitive feet. This slipper is ideal for women who suffer from edema or other foot deformities such hammertoes, clawed toes or mallet toes. This wide slipper is also Vegan society certified.

Comfortrite Women’s Diabetic Slippers, InnovatorSizes: Euro 37 – 45, U.S. 5 – 13Widths: W (Wide), WW (Extra Wide)
Offered in wide and extra wide sizes, this women’s slipper has a unique opening/closure design that allows the wearer to easily step into the slipper without constricting at the throat, which could normally cause unwanted pain or pressure. It is made with non-allergenic synthetic boiled wool, features two removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics and has a firm non-scuff rubber outsole that improves mobility. This women’s wide slipper is ideal for those with edema or diabetic feet.

I recently took my first trip to Italy. As an owner of an online orthopedic shoe and foot care product store, the first thing that crossed my mind when packing was, “What type of shoes am I going to wear in Italy?” I knew with sightseeing, we would be doing a lot of walking but I also wanted to look good, so choosing fashionable and comfortable walking shoes was my new mission.

My travel research began online with the following search query: what shoes to wear in Italy. Three things were primarily evident – cobble stone roads are everywhere in Italy, there are steep hills in certain areas and Italians are world-famous for their sense of fashion and style (important if you want to blend with the locals). The next thing on my “to do” list was to find shoes that are supportive (lots of walking on hills), stable (cobblestone roads), comfortable (no blisters please), stylish (When in Rome…) and could be worn with multiple outfits (must pack light).

Below I will detail the shoes I picked, why I picked them and how they worked out during my traveling and walking.

Knowing that a sneaker or athletic shoe would offer the most support and be the most comfortable walking shoe, I packed the Naot Kumara. This shoe is made a lot like a low profile athletic shoe but with two-toned soft leather and unique detailing on the upper. It has a Euro look and lot more style than an ordinary athletic or walking shoe. I wore this shoe a few times and it was so comfortable and supportive, which of course are features you can count on from a Naot shoe. You can see the specific features of the Naot footbeds on each Naot shoe page.

The most worn and most comfortable walking shoes on this trip were my Naot Nau Mai. I originally picked this shoe because it’s so cute, versatile, has an adjustable strap for a secure fit and of course it’s extremely supportive. I walked miles in these shoes, up hills, down hills and on cobble stone streets and they held up amazingly well. They also looked great with almost every outfit I brought. If I had to recommend one shoe to someone, it would be this shoe.

The first few days of our trip we spent in Rome. The weather there was hot and with all the Roman Ruins to walk through, I needed a sandal that would keep my feet cool but also stable and supported. So, being in Rome, I did as the Roman’s would do and wore my Gladiator sandals. Besides the Naot Nau Mai, I wore the Naot Cymbal for much of our time in Rome. In addition to having a cork latex footbed that provides support and shock absorption, what I love about the Naot Cymbal is how it looks. It’s so cute and fashionable; you’d never guess you were wearing a sandal that’s also good for your feet! I wore these touring around the Roman ruins (lots of rocks and uneven pavement) and walking around the Vatican. The ankle strap held my foot in place while my foot stayed cool and supported by the arch support and cork-latex footbed.

The Earth Sizzle also got a lot of wear during this trip. I bought this sandal last summer and it was another favorite of mine on this trip. Besides being a supportive and a comfortable walking sandal, the Earth Sizzle has a negative heel, which re-distributes your weight, to enhance your posture so that you burn more calories while walking. With all the wonderful meals, pasta, vino, etc. I figured it couldn’t hurt to burn a few extra calories while site seeing. As a side note, I got the most compliments when wearing this sandal.

Last but not least was the Birkenstock Madrid. I like to call this sandal the surprise of the trip. The night before I left, I threw these in my suitcase figuring they don’t take up much room; plus they would probably be good to wear during informal dinners or even on days when I would do less walking or perhaps visit the beach. To my surprise I ended up wearing these sandals a lot more than I had planned and even doing a lot of walking in them. Probably not the best choice for cobble stones but even walking long distances my feet felt great. I’ve been known to observe the footwear of those around me and at every location we visited, Birkenstock seemed to be the sandals of choice. Whether they were locals or other tourists, I’m not sure. Either way, Birkenstocks were everywhere in Italy.

A couple additional tips for healthy travel that I’d like to add:

If you are not an active person, you need to start walking a few months in advance to get yourself in shape for all the walking you will be doing on vacation. It would be such a disappointment to travel all the way to your destination and not be able to see all the sites because you are injured, sore or too exhausted. When you return to your room at the end of the day, you may be exhausted but I highly recommend taking 10 minutes or more to stretch your legs (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, etc.). Your body will thank you in the morning.

Pick up some compression socks for the long plane ride. It’s very common to have swelling when you get off of a long plane ride. Simply wearing a pair of compression socks really helps reduce swelling and may prevent tired achy legs. There are lots of great reasons to wear compression socks or hosiery when you travel, but that’s another blog post in itself. Be sure to consult your physician before wearing compression socks or hosiery as they are not recommended for everyone.

I hope that my blog post offers some guidance for travelers looking to find comfortable walking shoes that they can wear on their next trip to Italy or to any holiday destination.

Get the chic Fall styles without the pain! Pain and fashion don’t need to be hand-in-hand. At HealthyFeetStore.com, we believe that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for great looking shoes.

It’s no secret that boots and clogs are the hot shoe trends for Fall 2010. You can find boots of all lengths and clogs of all sizes throughout the Internet, catalogs and malls. Boots and clogs are everywhere – so grab yourself some! But don’t buy a style from just any brand. Too narrow of shoes can cause painful bunions or hammertoes. Cheaply-made shoes can cause calluses or blisters. Get the “in” look without the “ouch.”

We have found the most fashionable comfortable boots and comfortable clogs for women of all ages and listed them below. You can trust that the following shoes are made with high-quality materials and orthopedic designs, so that the shoes soothe your feet instead of damage them (yes, even the heeled shoes we sell are comfortable!)

Comfortable Boots

Looks like an Ugg, feels a million times better! While Uggs have no support and can injure your feet, Cloud Nine sheepskin boots are supportive and well-structured to prevent pain or ankle rolling. These comfortable boots have super soft sheepskin lining the inside to keep your feet cozy. Cloud Nine women’s boots are all durable, sheepskin boots that can be enjoyed this season. They are available in various styles, colors and three lengths: 12 inches, 9 inches and 7 inches. The Cloud Nine Women’s Seattle Sheepskin Boot has a durable waffle lug outsole for additional traction in harsh weather conditions. Cloud Nine also makes stylish and comfortable children’s sheepskin boots.

Your friends will never believe that Naot boots are orthopedic. Constructed with high-quality leather uppers, durable outsoles and with anatomically-correct footbeds to reduce foot aches, it’s no surprise that Naot boots are very popular. These comfortable boots have an orthopedic design but look very fashionable. Some Naot boots have metal shanks to provide additional stability or removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics or arch support insoles. Zippers make the Naot boots easier to take off and put on, and each Naot heel is designed to not feel like one. Each Naot boot looks different from the next. These comfortable boots are available in all types of uppers, color combinations, lengths and designs. The persistent feature is the healthy footbed and comfortable feel.

A little on the pricey side, these well-made European shoes have a range of sizes and widths to fit every foot. Durea Boots are constructed with added depth to allow extra toe room, a perfect heel fit to additional comfort, a removable footbed to accommodate custom orthotics and luxurious leather lining. These comfortable boots have a lightweight, shock absorbing outsole, as well. Some of the Durea boots have hand-picked leather from Italy. Designed with unique, subtle accents, these comfortable boots mirror European, high-class style and will allow you to stay on your feet as long as you’d like.

Comfortable Clogs

Slip resistant shoes for casual wear are hard to come by, but that is what Klogs is known for. Stylish and wearable for any occasion, Klogs clog styles are available with a wide variety of colors, designs and uppers. Every Klogs style has a certified slip resistant outsole that you can trust on wet and oily surfaces. Additional Klogs features include sueded micro fiber lining, wide toe box, lightweight, removable insole with deep heel cup and molded contour toe grip.

So comfortable, you won’t want to take them off. If you have sensitive feet, Aetrex clogs are the clogs for you. Made with a super soft, four-way stretch upper, Aetrex Berries Clogs are easy to slip on and easy to fall in love with. An anti-microbial lining protects feet against fungi and bacteria and a removable insole accommodates custom orthotics to enhance your comfort.

Made with the same amazing features that you find in Naot shoes, these comfortable clogs have high fashion and high therapeutic value. A footbed with arch support and a deep heel cup will reduce foot or body pain. The designs and colors on the uppers are so diversified that you can surely find a style to suit your personality and individual look.

How Sheepskin Lining and Orthopedic Features are Making Cloud Nine Seattle Boots the Boot-Wear of Choice

I am ashamed to admit this but for the past few years, every six months like clockwork, I’ve perused the aisles of a certain discount shoe store in search of a new pair of $20-knock-off-ugg-boots to snuggle my feet into during chilly weather. I currently live in San Diego, but don’t let our temperate climate fool you; the need for warm fuzzy footwear while having bonfires at the beach, or during a brisk gloom covered June afternoon, is vital even in Southern California. Besides, I was born and raised in the frozen tundra (Northern Canada) and a warm, comfortable pair of boots is therefore, something that I will never under-appreciate or be able to live without!

However, I, like many others before me, was born with the penny-pincher gene and, prior to my introduction to Cloud Nine footwear, had convinced myself quite thoroughly that my cheap knock-off purchases were an unbeatable bargain. Of course, as any honest penny-pincher will eventually have to assert, I was completely wrong. Sometimes cheap is just that— cheap. In fact, I replenished my boot stock so frequently in the past because they always started to fall apart, and continued on a path of constant deterioration, from the moment I left the store and wore them for the first time. If I am to be completely honest (something that is good practice for any penny pincher who would like to overcome their erroneous logic), even though I waited until the 6 month period to replace my boots for a newer pair, they were certainly always in such a dire state (bent at the heel, non-existent tread on the sole, and yes, the emission of a not so aromatic odor) that any reasonable person would have thrown them in the trash bin somewhere closer to the 3 month mark.

I am ecstatic to proclaim that Cloud Nine footwear has changed everything for me. My toasty tootsies and I will never look at comfortable shoes with the same blindingly stupid logic again! My first pair of Cloud Nine Cascade Sheepskin Booties were given to me as a gift and considering how often I wear them (including outside), as well as their influence on my decision to purchase a pair of the Seattle 12” Women’s Sheepskin Boot, it truly was a gift that has kept on giving! My Seattle boots are the absolute epitome of comfort, I had no idea that such bliss could be found in a boot. Every-time I slide my feet into the plush and opulent sheepskin lining, I know that I’m going to have a good day; my feet stay dry because sheepskin absorbs moisture, my heels are not crushing the outer boot because of the reinforced outer heel counter, I’m not slipping and falling on my face (never a fun experience) because of the lug sole construction, and there is an absolute bounce in my step that I am certain is in large part owed to the memory EVA midsole. These boots were definitely made for walking and I simply cannot say enough good things about them! Thank you HealthyFeetStore.com – I am officially a Cloud Nine convert and can declare that you will never find me in a dingy cheap shoe store wasting my money at the peril of my feet and wallet, ever again.

Melissa Hefferman is a writer and Comparative Literature major at SDSU. Besides spending most of her time studying, writing, and reading books, she’s also an accomplished pianist and aspiring cook.

Does the need to be frugal outweigh your comfort standards when shopping? Not sure if it’s cheaper to buy multiple pairs of cheaper shoes compared to buying one pair of expensive shoes? Ever thought: I need to get myself a pair of comfortable shoes? We’ve all been there. There is a formula to help you decide what is the best choice – it’s called the Cost Per Wear Analysis Formula.

Cost Per Wear Analysis Formula:

Price ÷ How many times you wear it = CPW (Cost Per Wear)

Situation:You have $200 you can spend on new shoes. What do you do?

Case A:

In an inexpensive boutique, you buy 4 pairs of stylish, yet poorly-made shoes that are $50 each.

Pros: You get good looking shoes for a low price, you get 4 different styles and you feel as though you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Cons: These cheaply-made shoes will break down quickly, cause you pain, damage your feet and you won’t want to wear them all the time.

You buy 4 pairs of shoes at $50 each -> They cause you pain, so you only wear them cumulatively 25 times at special occasions -> The cpw is $8

Case A, Result A:

If you try to continue to wear these ill-fitting shoes, you may get blisters or calluses, hurting your feet and forcing you to buy padding, lotion or band aids to soothe the wounds. This can cost around $30

Case A, Result B:

You could aggravate bunions and then you need to see a podiatrist and get a bunionectomy to rid yourself of the boney deformities on your feet. This can cost thousands of dollars.

Case B:

Pros: This pair of shoes will keep your feet healthy and comfy, they are more durable and you end up saving money because these shoes will last for years.

Cons: It’s only 1 pair of shoes for a lot of money.

You buy 1 pair of shoes at $200 -> They are so comfortable and durable you wear them every other day for two years -> The cpw is 55 cents

Case B Result:

Your feet are comfortable and supported by wearing these shoes, so your posture improves and other bodily aches decrease.

It is beneficial to buy the more expensive, better-made, comfortable shoes. You will ultimately spend less money and be in less pain than if you continued to buy poorly-made, uncomfortable shoes.

When shoe shopping, don’t just go for the shoes that look the best. Try the shoes on; walk around in them; stand in them; bend down in them. Do they support your feet? Do you have balance in them? Do they hurt your toes or heel? Know about the manufacturer – what comfort features does this brand incorporate in its shoes? You are better off spending the money to get well-fitting, comfortable shoes that will keep you pain-free and away from the podiatrist’s office.

It’s during this time of the year that men (and some women), from all walks of life, from blue collar to white collar, from adolescents to retirees and from west coasters to east coasters, strategically prioritize their lives and schedules to accommodate the all important, 17-week-long NFL season. The NFL is by far one of the most watched professional sports leagues in the United States, and each year many fans get themselves ready for the long, exciting season. Typically, to enjoy NFL football, all you need is some sort of electronic device, whether it be a cheap AM/FM radio (totally boring) or a nice 52 inch flat screen LCD HDTV with DVR capabilities and the Direct TV NFL package. Then you have to consider food and beverages – will it be barbecue or pizza – will it be nice cold IPA beer or plain water (really boring)? Then, do you think about getting a new recliner, or do you plan to watch the games at the local pub or at a friend’s house?

There are so many different decisions to account for when it comes to getting ready for the NFL season. But often times, NFL fans seem to forget one extremely important phase of comfort that can be the key to an awesome NFL season experience: having comfortable feet on Sundays, Mondays, some Thursdays and Playoff Saturdays. What’s the point of watching football games if you’re going to have foot pain? To help NFL fans have comfortable feet during the NFL season, we at HealthyFeetStore.com have put together a list of products that we think you should consider.

Please note: This list is geared towards men, even though we completely understand that women also enjoy NFL games – just keep in mind that for every men’s product on the list, HealthyFeetStore.com has plenty of comparable women’s products as well.

Products for NFL fans at home

Cloud Nine Trekker Men’s Sheepskin Moccasin SlippersI personally own a pair and must say that these have got to be the most comfortable orthopedic slippers I have ever worn. The sheepskin material is extremely soft to the touch and TPR outer sole is durable enough for when I’m outdoors. Even though the insoles are removable to accommodate custom orthotics, I’ve decided to keep them in – they’re just so comfortable. Then to top it off, the memory EVA midsole adds even more comfort during each step.Old Friend Rolled Collar Bootee Men’s Sheepskin SlippersLined with sheepskin material, this bootee will keep feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer since sheepskin is a thermostatic material. Sheepskin is also a natural moisturizer, which will prevent dry feet and cracked heels. The TPR rubber outsole will help men achieve optimal footing when they peruse from their living rooms to their kitchens. Men can even roll up the collar on chilly mornings for extra warmth.

Acorn Grey Ragg Wool Slipper Socks
Some men only like to sport socks on NFL Sundays – we recommend this slipper sock because it’s like wearing a sock and slipper at the same time. Men will get the same upper feeling of an orthopedic sock, but with better protection at the bottom, due to its tough suede outsole. This slipper sock is so awesome that NASA astronauts have been wearing them during missions in outer space since 1982 – if Acorn slipper socks are good enough for NASA astronauts, they’re good enough for NFL fans at home!Dr. Rosenberg’s Cool SolesMen can alleviate foot discomfort with Cool Soles. This could be an ideal product for men who want to try cold or hot therapy for their feet while sitting and relaxing on the couch during games. Please note: The insoles are to be used while sitting down and not while walking. Consult your physician before use if you have diabetes, circulation problems or numbness in your feet. DO NOT WALK IN THESE INSOLES.

Products for NFL tailgaters and season ticket holders

Brooks Addiction 9 Men’s Motion Control ShoeFor men that are leaving the comfort of their homes to watch NFL football games at the stadium, we highly recommend wearing a quality made motion control shoe like the Addiction 9. Brooks is one of the leading athletic shoe companies in the world, so you can only expect the best technologies in their features. The Addiction 9 comes with an upper made with moisture managing mesh, a full-length BioMoGo cushioned midsole, an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar to prevent excessive pronation and a durable, abrasion resistant, HPR Plus rubber outsole – and believe it or not, these are just a few features, to read more, visit our product page.

Dr. Weil Compass Men’s Leather Arch Support Flip FlopsJust like the name says, these flip flops have an arch support footbed. Not only are these orthopedic sandals stylish, but also healthy to wear since they have the features that will improve biomechanical foot function to lessen foot fatigue and minimize injury to lower limbs. You might wonder why we added these since the NFL season take place during cooler temperatures. Believe it or not, there are some fans that still wear flip flops all year long, especially those living in San Diego, Oakland, Miami, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. I also wouldn’t doubt if there were, let’s just say, “enthusiastic” shirtless fans at Lambeau Field with painted chests supporting the Packers, wearing flip flops too.

At HealthyFeetStore.com, you may think we are all about shoes. But quite the contrary – we know that healthy feet need healthy socks. We sell a variety of socks: diabetic socks, work-out socks, extra wide socks, toe separator socks, copper socks and we have recently added baby socks to that long list.

We want you to show or tell us about the funkiest, weirdest socks you’ve ever worn. Seasonal socks, rainbow socks, toe socks, socks with strange patterns or socks with bells on them – we know you’ve worn them, so don’t be ashamed!

Tell us about your funky socks and get a chance to start someone you love off on the right path.

We will randomly select a winner and award that person with a free pair of Rock-a-Thigh Baby thigh-high socks for babies aged infant through 4 years old. These cute and healthy socks are available in 5 fun color patterns and four sizes.

These Rock-a-Thigh socks have skid-free soles and will cover the baby’s sensitive legs to provide extra protection while crawling, diaper changing or wearing plastic braces. Or your baby can wear them for the same reasons you wear your funky socks – for extra warmth or as a fashion statement.

Dates of Giveaway: Tuesday, Sept. 7, through Thursday, Sept. 9.

To Be A Winner: You must comment this blog post. You also must live in the United States or have an APO/FPO shipping address. One winner will be chosen at random. If the winner does not claim his/her prize within 7 days, another winner will be chosen. If you want to enter but are not able to use a computer, please mail us your entry.